League Report: Waterford United 1 - 2 Cobh Ramblers

First-half goals from Marcus Gustavsson and Shane O’Connor ensured that Cobh Ramblers rose up into the First Division play-off positions with a deserved 2-1 victory over Waterford United at the RSC.

The two sides went into tonight’s match level on points, with United ahead of their Munster colleagues on goal difference. However, without their suspended manager Roddy Collins, Waterford failed to settle into any rhythm early on and they went behind in the ninth minute.

Markus Gustavsson gave Blues keeper Kevin Burns no chance as he spectacularly volleyed home Cian Kingston’s flicked header from a Shane O’Connor free-kick to give the visitors the lead.

The opening to the game had been very even, if not very entertaining, but the opening goal really added life to the game and it didn't take long for the game’s second goal to arrive as Philly Gorman equalised for the home side.

Waterford defender Sean Byrne was hauled down in the area by his Cobh counterpart Chris McCarthy and veteran striker Gorman converted the resulting penalty with ease to level the match only two minutes after Cobh had taken the lead.

Chances continued to arrive for both sides with Gorman and Anthony McAlavey linking up well for United and looking dangerous, however, it was Cobh who spurned a big opportunity to take the lead when Rob Lehane headed a pin-point cross from full-back Charlie Fleming off target on the quarter hour mark.

The visitors continued to apply meaningful pressure on the Waterford rear-guard and Gustavsson could have gotten his second of the night moments later. The striker gained control of the ball in the Blues area, but his tame shot was easily gathered Kevin Burns in goal for United.

Cobh did get their second goal of the proceedings and what turned out to be the winner via the very impressive Shane O’Connor. The Cobh skipper finished his effort to the net following a concerted period of head tennis in the home area.

A lofted ball into the area was met firmly by the head of the lively Robert Lehane and into the path of his strike partner Gustavsson. The Swede then nodded on for the inrushing O’Connor who again used his head to force home and give his side the advantage after 24 minutes.

Cobh continued to dominate events on the pitch much to the dismay of the strong home crowd with O’Connor at the epicentre of everything that his side did well. His perfectly weighted ball sent the onrushing Lehane through on goal but his shot drifted agonisingly wide, letting the Blues off the hook.

Aaron Callaghan rallied his troops from the line and Philly Gorman had chances to get his side on level terms twice before the break, failing to do so on both occasions

The second period began again with Cobh in the ascendency and O’Connor lofted a delightful ball to the back post where marauding full-back Charlie Fleming resided, however, his header went over the bar and a glorious opportunity was missed for Stephen Henderson’s side

They were almost made to pay for that miss when just short of the hour James O’Brien launched a vicious effort from the right side of the area, which former Longford ‘keeper Paul Hunt did well to hold.

Waterford continued to press and Gorman headed wide as they seemingly build-up ahead of steam. The game though hit a lull after that with chances at a premium until Conor Lehane gained possession for Cobh with a quarter of an hour remaining, he picked out Gustavsson, but just as he looked destined to score, he dragged his shot wide.

Blues substitute Robbie Buckley had a headed effort saved by Hunt before the game ended and that proved to be the last chance of note as Cobh held on for a very valuable three points on the road.

Waterford United: Kevin Burns; Colum Nugent, James Dermody, Sean Byrne, Ian Sinnott; James O’Brien (Robbie Buckley 76), Darren Murphy (Dean Broaders 46), David O’Leary, Dean Reidy; Anthony McAlavey, Phillip Gorman (Dylan McGuire 73)

Subs not used: Shane Mackey, Aaron O’Connor, Matthew Sheehan.

Yellow Cards: David O'Leary (52), Anthony McAlevey (63), Sean Byrne (70).

Cobh Ramblers: Paul Hunt; Charlie Fleming, Cian Kingston, Graham McCarthy, Chris McCarthy; Stephen Christopher (Evan Galvin 79), Ian Mylod, Shane O’Connor; Cory Galvin (Eoin McGreevey 85), Markus Gustavsson (Andy O’Connell 80), Robert Lehane

Subs not used: David Curran, Jason Abbott.

Yellow Cards: Charlie Fleming (18), Ian Mylod (38).

Referee: Kevin O'Regan.

Attendance: 420

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Shane O’Connor (Cobh Ramblers)